5 Best Authentic Yoga Retreats Bali
With an explosion in Yoga retreats around the world (my own included), I decided to explore and find the most authentic retreats that aligned with the core spiritual principles of Yoga.
Our Top Yoga retreat are Based on 3 key aspects:
TRADITIONAL (Raga Yoga) | ACTIVE (karma Yoga) | GENUINE (Bhakti Yoga)
Also, we have thrown in at no extra cost WISDOM (Gyana Yoga)
No.1 of Top Yoga retreats Bali
I chose Bali Trees Retreat as the first choice
Because, it is the one I found that fully embraces the true essence of Bali and Yoga.
Set on the rice fields in the village of Sesandan, this spot is located in the spiritual city of Tabanan Bali . It is well removed from the tourist area and is set amid the sloping valleys and endless rice paddies of West/ Central Bali.
As one enters, the sheer authenticity of this traditional Balinese ashram, pulls you into a deep sense of quietude, a resonance. Immediately you know that something in you will change forever here.
Spiritual Offerings
Although this retreat offers traditional Balinese Yoga, meditation, and movement (which most do not), each day has a different experience for the guests based on activities within the local community and daily circumstances. Following a belief that unique and transformative moments are created by spontaneity, the group atmosphere and local events actually direct the day.
This to me is the Yoga.
Also, I’m impressed by the deep spirituality oozing from the Balinese hosts.
The teachers are members of one of the oldest spiritual ashrams in the world: ‘Perguruan Seruling Dewata’ (Seruling Dewata translates as ‘god’s flute’).
The property, before it was opened to the public, was a traditional Balinese ashram deeply immersed in ancient Yoga and meditation. This is felt in the very presence of the teachers. No Ego! A sweet delight.
The retreat is ultra relaxed and a deeply spiritual environment. Authentic.
Offerings include ancient traditional meditation and yoga, alongside mantra/chanting, learning about and honouring the Hindu Gods and deepening spiritual feelings by visiting sacred places.
More Spiritual offerings
Chakra meditations are a part of most practices and an invitation to experience Tali Rasa, also known as the moving meditation, is a beautiful offering.
There is also Pencak Silat’ (an ancient balinese ‘Martial Arts’) for the adventurous and workshops teaching traditional healing practices. Alongside this there is the very special ‘Yoga Watukara’ with its 13 styles, the ancient Balinese Kundalini Yoga – excellent if you want to get serious about your spiritual path!
Adi’s (the retreat organiser) mission is to prevent the teachings from being lost & to pass on the powerful knowledge about the ancient balinese practices of yoga, healing & other fields of study present in the Ashram. To do so, by running this retreat.
The Accommodation
is Ashram style older Balinese, simple with basic comforts and the prices are more than reasonable in the lower $80 per night. Surrounded by wild nature and divine spiritual energy this retreat is the most authentic and traditional i have found.
Please take a look at their website Balitrees Retreat
No.2 of Top Yoga retreats 2019 Bali
Bali Silent Retreat
If I was to go on a retreat in Bali (that wasn’t my own), I would choose this one. Mostly because it is silent!
As we go into our silence – truly go in, we find our spiritual centre. We meet with a deeper quietude, a part of our selves; our soul. And, a bliss occurs. One that is always available to us. One that is free of attachment and the cycles of karma.
I fell in love with this retreat, not only because it embraces the silent aspect of true Yoga but also because the hosts are genuine and well, their motto grabbed my heart chakra. And, sent it of to dance with Goddess Lakshmi for some ultra spiritual divinity
Create your own schedule, your own inner journey, in profound peace and silence. (not vipassana, not a religious supported ashram; no guru, no dogma) – Bali Silent Retreat
Also, because there is an aesthetic beauty and peaceful energy exuding the property which is surrounded by protected lush rice fields, jungle, healing hot springs and the sacred Mt. Batu Karu, It’s really divine.
Retreat Spiritual Offerings
Another reason, I love this retreat is the daily offerings of meditation, light asanas and teachings of traditional yoga. It stands alone from most retreats also in it’s offering of Hot Spring trips, learning how to make traditional Balinese offerings and do ceremony. As well as, teachings in permaculture and sustainability.
Not to mention the enjoyable discussion on Balinese culture – which is immersed in spiritual wisdom.
But’ no talking, It’s a silent retreat remember :
The Accommodation
is Luxury Eco freindly with all buildings made of recycled timbers and indigenous architectures. It’s a blissful array of simple, earthy, warmth and relaxation. Very lush.
The prices are reasonable for a Bali retreat at about $850 US for five nights, pretty good for a retreat full of genuine warmth and spiritual nourishment.
The food, organic and locally sourced, is Healthy and delicious; you can feel the love pouring form it!
Check out the The Bali Silent Retreat – it’s really top notch. The real deal!
No.3 of Top Yoga retreats 2019 Bali
It’s definitely Essence of Bali!
I’m sorry, I’ve spent days searching for my higher self in Google Bali and I just can’t find it outside of myself.
Short of going to another country (which I think may happen next). I had to include this one because it’s full all the Yogas and Karmas and Dharmas.
And, It’s divine!
Video Filmed @ Rahasia Manis retreat Centre
6 Day Spiritual healing retreat for women
Retreat Spiritual offerings
What I love most about this retreat is the women are all deeply spiritual, as well as trained yoga instructors and healers from around the world. Each experienced in and passionate about women’s healing and empowerment.
The philosophy is to go with the flow, relax and find your spiritual centre. And, do the practice 🙂
There’s a different vibe with this retreat on a few levels.
Free massages, A visit to a Balinese Hindu High Priestess for a healing ceremony, Onsite reiki master. Workshops on self compassion, mantra/chanting and Aryuveda. Auspicious New Moon drumming and ceremony. As well as, daily yin and restorative Yoga. To top it off, ecstatic and free dance evenings.
And blessed be, all proceeds go toward Women in Need project
Retreat Daily Schedule
All the hosts are keen meditators and have deep respect for its effects on healing and spiritual growth. There is an offering of inner radiance, self love and compassion, inner silence and ecstatic Shakti meditation sessions.
Furthermore,all instructor’s practices are trauma sensitive
The Accommodation
Is a delightful blend of traditional Balinese fittings and decor, with a relaxed and authentic feel. There are 9 jungle huts and two with private pools.
It really is a full package of divine accommodation, as well as deep spiritual mentoring and guidance, so that one can relax and heal in a spiritually nurturing environment. An affordable price starting at $850US for 6 days and five nights, all inclusive.
Next retreats December 2019
Check it out here Bali Women’s Spiritual Retreat
No.4 The Heart of Bali
Rahasia Manis Retreat Sancturary
I really love this retreat Centre and the Offering because it brings you back to the real heart of Bali not only in the setting which is exquisite. But, also the staff and the organiser have a beautiful vibe about them that makes you feel like you have arrived home.
Retreat Offerings
Like sweet spiritual nectar this retreat introduces a traditional Bali in a relaxed environment in the ricefeilds and jungle on the outskirts of Ubud. Bringing together a traditional array of Cooking Classes, Excursions, Yoga, Massage & Cultural Events its the perfect retreat for those seeking an immersion in the Heart of Bali.
With Daily offerings to the Gods, the expansive views of the rice paddies and the Jungle and the sounds of Ceremony coming from the depths of the Jungle This place is historically sacred and a contemporary haven of Magic.
Accommodations
Rahasia Manis is located in rural Bali, on the outskirts of a traditional village, between working rice fields and the jungle. Far from the madding tourist crowds, but close enough to Ubud (12 km) to take advantage of all that it has to offer.
The accommodation is extraordinary with a fabulous design inspired by the East with a comfort that makes one soul feel like it can finally let go and relax. It’s beautiful with outdoors baths and abundant plants, ponds and goddess figures that create a real feel of spiritual delight.
“The Property has been built with a conscious effort towards sustainability. Most of our buildings are built from reclaimed wood and our gardens chemical free and based on permaculture principles. A saltwater pool is central to the property and surrounded by vegetable and herb gardens, fruit trees, tropical plantings, and koi fish ponds. Flowers, butterflies, and birds are plentiful.” – Owner
Retreats are for 8 days from 2 to 22 people and Prices start from $1950. Well worth it.
Take a look here The Heart of Bali here for info and bookings
No.5 of Top Yoga retreats 2019 | India
SRI M
I don’t mean to confuse you, I know Sri M isn’t a retreat per se but a spiritual Master. Nor is India in Bali
I’m putting him as #5 as he runs satsangs and retreats worldwide and in my humble opinion and feelings is the most profound, down to earth and brilliant spiritual teacher I have come across worldwide.
And of course he is from the motherland herself, India.
He is deeply spiritual, traditionally trained and educated, warm and compassionate.
He has an exquisite divinely inspired gift of relating the truth in a most eloquent, honest and concise way.
Also, He has a delightful manner that exudes wisdom and spiritual grace imparting the Vedic and Hindu teachings; with a quality I have not seen in any other teacher. And, his history is squeaky clean; a trustworthy modern saint.
Hard to find these days!
Take a look at his retreat offerings here
Sri M modern mystic and spiritual teacher
Top 5 Yoga Retreats Bali
- Bali Trees Retreat
- The Bali Silent Retreat
- Essence Of Bali
- The Heart of Bali
- Sri M modern mystic and spiritual teacher
So now that my inner child has released her attachment to fear of Google yoga search queries, I must go and Feng shui my mobile phone, so I don’t get interrupted in my cosmic consciousness meditation!
I hope this has been a fruitful informative journey and warm blessings for your spiritual evolution!
Please note this is a review only and I am not affiliated with any of the retreats other than Essence of Bali retreat, of which I am the host 🙂 Please feel free to contact me if you have any queries
Love and light
Megan x